Today, many people choose Beijing's Central Axis as their top destination for a "City Walk". Last time, we recommended some attractions along the Central Axis and in its surrounding areas. In this edition, we will continue with more fascinating recommendations. Check these out!

Taimiao (Imperial Ancestral Temple) and Shejitan (Altar of Earth and Harvests)

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Taimiao and Shejitan are located symmetrically along Beijing's Central Axis. Taimiao is now known as "Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace". Shejitan, situated opposite Taimiao, is located within Zhongshan Park.

Attraction - Zhongshan Park

Zhongshan Park spans 23.8 hectares and features several famous attractions including a giant cypress tree dating back to the Liao Dynasty, Zhongshan Hall, the Peace Defense Plaque, Lanting Tablet Pavilion, the Aphorism Pavilion, Huifang Garden, and Tanghua Dock, among others.

Tian'anmen Square and Its Architectural Complex

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Tian'anmen Square and its architectural complex are situated at the core of the Central Axis. The prominent structures include two memorial buildings, namely the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and two public buildings, which are the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People.

Attraction - China Numismatic Museum

China Numismatic Museum is a national-level professional museum of currency, which is directly affiliated with the headquarters of the People's Bank of China. The museum currently features a permanent exhibition titled "The Exhibition of the Chinese Currency History", and a special exhibition titled "The Thematic Exhibition on Millennium of the Birth of Paper Currency".

Zhengyangmen Gate

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Zhengyangmen Gate, known as the "Head of the Nine Gates", is the most prominent and magnificently constructed gate among the nine main gates of Beijing's inner city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Comprising an archery Tower and a watchtower, it is an iconic structure of Beijing's old city walls. Today, Zhengyangmen Gate is open to the public as a museum.

Attraction - China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen Gate)

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China Railway Museum (Zhengyangmen Gate) features a permanent exhibition on the "History of the Development of China's Railways". Utilizing a wealth of detailed historical photographs, physical exhibits, and advanced exhibition techniques and methods, the exhibition highlights the 140-year-long history of the evolution of China's railways.

Temple of Heaven

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The Temple of Heaven is the largest and best-preserved ancient worship complex in China, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed rites to worship the Heaven. As a masterpiece among China's ancient imperial worship buildings, it embodies the worship rites and cultural traditions of the two dynasties.

Attraction - National Natural History Museum of China

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The museum is China's only national-level comprehensive natural history museum. The primary exhibition focuses on biological evolution, with permanent exhibitions on ancient reptiles, ancient mammals, invertebrates, and the wonderful animals of Africa.

Yongdingmen Gate

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Located at the southern end of the Central Axis, Yongdingmen Gate is a significant scenic spot along the southern section of the axis. From the gate's watchtower, you can look northward and see the 7.8-kilometer Central Axis extending along the imperial route, with Zhengyangmen Gate's watchtower visible in the distance.

Attraction - Capital Grain Museum

The museum introduces knowledge about the origin, cultivation, storage, processing, and supply of grains through real objects, photographs, miniature models, recreated scenes, and more.

In addition, the Outer Jinshui Bridge, the remnants of the Central Axis's southern road, and Xiannongtan (the Temple of Agriculture) are also must-visit heritage sites. Take your time to explore the landmarks of the Central Axis of Beijing together with your friends!

(Source: Official WeChat account of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)